The starting point of this route is the city of Ágios Nikólaos. Take the North Road Axis of Crete (VOAK) southbound, and go up to Ammoudára and Vathý, where you may stop for a swim in their majestic beaches, while it is worth your time to visit the wetland of Almyrós (right after the town).
At a distance of 12 km from Ágios Nikólaos you will come across Kaló Chorió, where you may find hotels and apartments to let, giving you a chance to eat and rest.
There are beautiful beaches to swim at: you may choose among Karavostási, Ágios Panteleímonas (an ideal beach for windsurfing aficionados), Voúlisma (perfect for families with young children). Right after the village entrance, turn right to the Kaló Chorió - Metaxochóri provincial road.
After 6 km, you will reach the village of Prína, renowned for its fragrant honey. Make a stop, have a taste and you are certain to buy some, as it is truly one of a kind!
From here you will take the Ágios Nikólaos - Prína provincial road uphill, which will take you after approximately 25 minutes to Kroústas where a stop is in order for a stroll around the village. Going downhill towards Ágios Nikólaos, in just under 4 km, you will come across the beautiful - unique, even - village of Kritsá.
Many interesting points that you should not miss during your stay in the village is a visit to the churches that are monuments of high interest, “Panagia Kera” as it is the reference point for thousands of visitors.
Nearby, just 3 km after, there is the ancient Lato, one of the most famous and best preserved ancient cities of Crete.
In the village there are several restaurants where you can taste the flavors of Lassithi with the multiple award winning premium quality olive Kritsa. If you wish to learn more about olive oil, you have only to visit the agricultural cooperative.
Before leaving the village drop by the workshop of women’s cooperative to watch the preparation of traditional sweets such as “xirotigana” and cheese pies, but mainly to try.
If you love nature and adventure, you can cross the gorge of Kritsa.
From Kritsá you will go uphill and to the west, heading towards Katharó - truly a place like no other - with just a few houses and a handful of tavernas serving mainly local products.
Don’t forget to sample the local cuisine: oftó baby goat or lamb and fresh myzíthra cheese, produced by the herdsmen of Katharó. In wintertime they are only open on weekends.
If you are true nature lovers, you may take an excursion up to the Katharó Plateau, where you may see the rich variety of excavated midget hippopotamus bone fossils.
Leaving Katharó behind, head west and tread carefully towards the Lassíthi Plateau, and particularly the Méssa Lassíthi, that used to be renowned for its red sour apples that were transported to the Sultan in Constantinople.
Make a stop at Moní Kroustallénia, the religious centre of Lassíthi. Turn right and follow the Oropédio - Ágios Nikólaos provincial road. In approximately ten minutes, you will come across Potámi, literally buried in greenery. Make a stop to rest and admire the scenery.
Visit Panayía and let beauty sink in. Icy cold water wells, local products on the tables, tavernas, resting in the shade - or all of the above combined - will make you feel simply wonderful.
From this point onwards, the route goes downhill and crosses Zénia, where you may visit the ruins of an ancient city, as well as Atziganóspilios, one of the most notable caves in the prefecture of Lassíthi. Right after that, you pass by the settlements of Áno Amygdáli, Amygdáli and Drási to head northbound and reach Vrýsses, a beautiful village overlooking the Neápolis plains.
A bit further down the road, you will come across Moní Kremastón; it is really worthwhile to make a stop.
Going downhill, you pass by the beautiful villages of Choumeriáko and Nikithianó to reach Límnes, one of the best-preserved villages located in the shade of ancient Dríros.
The route from Límnes takes an eastbound direction and after 10 km on either the old or the new national road, you come to Ágios Nikólaos -the end.
If you still have time left, you should definitely take a stroll by the lake and visit the Ágios Nikólaos Archaeological Museum, as well as the Folklore Museum that is housed in the ground floor of the old Port Authority building by the lake bridge.
